Greetings, Angelenos!  Well, the merry month of May is upon us and, as luck would have it, merriment offerings are plentiful. Laughter’s on the docket in a BIG way all over town in a Netflix takeover; the hills are alive in Hollywood; there’s good reason to spend an anniversary in a cemetery; art is blooming in Beverly Hills; I found a mini-manual for Mother’s Day; and we can all get together (now) for charity. Here’s your Guide To The Good Stuff…

NOW THRU MAY 10. NETFLIX IS A JOKE

So much comedy, so little time!  Unless you haven’t left your house in the past couple months, you couldn’t possibly have missed the umpteen billboards advertising the “Netflix is a Joke” festival on streets everywhere. But if you don’t know anything about it other than Netflix sure knows how to buy billboards, here’s the skinny: if you’re a comedy lover, nirvana is LA in May.

The “festival” is a lineup of the best comedians working today, taking the stage at nearly every major venue across the city. A dizzying roster of comedy superstars are performing, including Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Jon Stewart, John Mullaney, Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and many, many more.  Through May 10.  Laugh it up, LA! GET THE DETAILS.

May 16-17. (ONE OF) MY FAVORITE THINGS

The Von Trapps are back!  If you’ve never seen “The Sound of Music” live on stage, well, you’re out of excuses.  The beloved classic hits the Pantages this month, in all its raindrops-on-roses-and-whiskers-on-kittens glory.  This production has been touring the country to rave reviews.

So whether you’re 16 going on 17, or 65 going on Medicare, go see Maria fall in love with the Captain and his seven singing children. And then ask yourself: if this guy is so rich, why does he only have one nanny for SEVEN kids??? The show runs Tuesday – Sunday through May 24 at the Pantages Theater, 6233 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood.  It’s worth the do-re-mi.  GET THE DETAILS.

MAY 29 & 31. SEX ON ICE

A couple of months ago, it seemed like the hot-sex, man-on-man TV hockey phenomenon that is “Heated Rivalry” was being talked about by Every. Person. On. Earth. So naturally, someone had to turn it into a musical parody. That someone is actually a group of folks from the world of comedy juggernaut Upright Citizens Brigade.

I think it’s safe to say there will be suggestive songs, dirty jokes, punny puck references, hotties in hockey uniforms — and, if we’re lucky, also out of uniform. The show plays on May 29^th and 31st at the Elysian Theater, 1944 Riverside Dr., in Silverlake. I see a “Ladies Night” in your future. GET THE DETAILS.

 THANKS, MOM

Mother’s Day is back (has it ever left???), and if you’re a mom, you can just relax and hope your family does something nice for you – because you deserve it!  And what about your own mom? Are you asking yourself what to do, where to go, how to shower her with your love and appreciation???  If you don’t have a game plan yet, Ode A La Rose has your back.

This floral business has put together a curated list of options to honor mamas, from brunch choices to spa recommendations to fun outdoor outings.  Of course, flowers are always appreciated – and Ode A La Rose has ‘em by the dozens (and dozens). Happy Mother’s Day, all you fabulous moms! GET THE DETAILS.

MAY 23. PHONE HOME

Hard to believe that Cinespia at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is celebrating it’s 25^th year. Happy Anniversary, movies in a graveyard! To commemorate the auspicious occasion, its first screening of the season will be…drum roll…Steven Spielberg’s epic blockbuster, “E.T.”!

Plop down under the stars and revel in the joy of El-lee-oht, his glowing tiny pal, Reese’s pieces, Drew Barrymore before she had a talk show, and that guaranteed-to-make-you-cry John Williams score.  Saturday, May 23^rd at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd. Doors open at 6:45, film starts at 8:30.  BYOK (Bring Your Own Kleenex). GET THE DETAILS.

MAY 16-17. ART IN THE PARK

In a city where your friends might live an hour’s drive away (that’s about 3 miles, in L.A.), there’s comfort and joy in any event that brings community together in a 4-block radius where folks have to bump into each other.  My favorite one here is the Beverly Hills Art Show.  It happens twice a year in May and October and I never miss it – beautiful art, jewelry galore, great people-watching, food trucks, libations, music, and undeniably best of all, DOGS!

Everyone brings their dogs, heavy on the ‘oodles’ — of course, it’s Beverly Hills — and the cuteness is off the charts. Is there a better way to spend a weekend?  Me thinks not.  Beverly Hills Art Fair, Saturday and Sunday, May 16-17, 10am – 6pm.  Did I mention it’s also free??? GET THE DETAILS.

MAY 30. LET’S GET TOGETHER

In tumultuous times like these, music is a path to harmony.  That’s the idea behind “Get Together Now,” a one-night-only concert for charity honoring the late, great singer/songwriter Jesse Colin Young.  If you’re not old enough to remember Jesse’s band, the Youngbloods, you’ve probably heard his voice on this refrain from their 1967 mega-hit: “Come on people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together, try to love one another right now.”  Still groovy, and right on.

Jesse’s music was filled with messages of unity and kindness; this charity event seeks to amplify those concepts by bringing people together to celebrate the music of a man who fully embodied them. The performance includes 25 of LA’s top musicians, and proceeds go to a variety of community service charities around the city.  At the Orpheum Theater in DTLA’s Broadway Theater District, Saturday May 30^th at 7:30pm. Peace out.  GET THE DETAILS.